The Elementary Program

Courses of Study

Reading/Language Arts/Writing

The language arts program is thoroughly woven into all aspects of a child’s day. Opportunities abound for reading, writing, listening and speaking through the interaction of subject areas. Time is allotted each day for sustained silent reading. Writing evolves from the simple to the complex with continued emphasis on expressing concepts or ideas, not just punctuation and grammar. Children explore their creative ideas using the written word and then continue revising and editing their writing individually, as well as in a group.

Math

The math curriculum is carefully sequenced and set up to ensure the success of each student. Through initial instruction and subsequent use of hands on materials, the child discovers the rules of mathematics. As the child progresses, he or she moves from the concrete to the abstract. Problem solving and creative thinking are also important parts of the math curriculum. We believe that math must become a language with which the child can think, rather than simply memorize.

Cultural Studies

Our curriculum places a unique emphasis on geography, history and natural and physical sciences. These subject areas are presented in an integrated way to stress the associations between subject areas with opportunities for reading writing and math throughout. For example, in the lower elementary program, the wonder of how our planet came to be is a central theme, studied through science and literature and art. Older elementary students focus on the accomplishments of great civilizations. This approach encourages students to become philosophers while the curriculum areas are concretely explored through drawing, mapping, reading, writing, storytelling and hypothesis.

Assessment and Evaluation

We primarily use performance based methods of assessment. Teachers utilize daily contact with students, self-assessments and portfolios as evaluation tools. A child’s confidence, initiative and other areas of personal growth are also monitored and integrated into progress reports. Our assessments of children include written evaluations and at least two parent-teacher conferences each year. Standardized achievement tests are administered to the Advanced Elementary students each spring. We place considerable emphasis on performance based evaluation techniques and do not use standardized group test scores as part of the student’s evaluation.

Parent Perspective Listen to what Jann and other parents have to say about the Bergamo program. WATCH Coming Soon